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Tuesday, November 28, 2006

Checking in

Just a quick post to say hello! It's virtually impossible to use the library computers with a baby and four-year-old in tow. Looks like we will be buying a new system because the cost of repair is so great. So, Celina, you may be getting your wish for an inexpensive e-book by Christmas; I may need to raise funds for the replacement computer! I'll have to get creative about writing without a home computer; luckily, my best work is usually born of desperation.

I'm still figuring out our holiday decorating plans. The house would look best with wreaths across each front window. I love to make fresh wreaths from free tree trimmings, but 12 wreaths may be beyond my resources. My husband likes us to postpone decorating until after the Army-Navy game, so I have a few more days to scheme.

The highlight of our Thanksgiving trip was a Mennonite market we stumbled upon in Metter, Georgia. It was only five minutes from the exit, if anyone needs a refreshing stop from driving I-16. There was a bustling bakery with four-layer cakes iced with nuts for only $14; loaves of fresh raisin bread for $2.20; and a freezer full of half-price baked goods, too. No bulk grains or spices, but decent to very good prices on salvage groceries. I was too excited to take pictures, so you'll have to picture me digging through a bin of Kashi and protein bars, 10 for $1. Imagine me throwing boxes of organic baby cereal and pureed foods (50 cents) willy nilly into the cart. Falafel mix and couscous for 25 cents? Sure! I only wished we had more room in the trunk or could have stopped on our way home, too. The store is open from 8 to 6, Monday through Saturday.

Neighbor Jayne, my husband played for USMA so this game is the highlight of the football season for our family.

Shannon, since this store didn't sell bulk grains or spices, I wouldn't say it's worth driving two hours to shop there. However, if you're in the area, it's a fun stop. Ask the visitor center just off the exit for directions.

Anonymous, I'm cuddling and loving my babies as much as I can! It took us so long to have our second one, I don't want to take one second for granted. Luckily, staying at home with them all day gives me lots of time for projects in addition to all the sofa forts we can make : ) I feel so blessed to have this life!

We just moved to Ohio and the wreath on every window is the decorating trend here for sure. It looke so expensive to do, but very nice. If I were to go for something like that, in the future, as we are low on cash now and won't go into debt, i would do a fake wreath on every window, with a live one for the front door. I have 8 windows across the front of my house and based on what I paid for a live wreath this year (to support the boy scouts) that would cost me $200 each year. Reusable seems the only way to go. good luck with your decorating.

When I walked into the back garden door at Walmart the other day I spyed lots of nice fresh pine branches in the trash can. They were free for the taking for use at home. Lots of tree lots and such have such branches. My sister used to get them from the local floral store for free and make wreaths and decorations every year. {Cabinet making places usually also have free wood scraps for use making frames and such...but watch and don't burn any that have been treated.} I'm sure most of you already know this but maybe it can help someone.